I spent the day trying to track down more information about the Jake Raulerson situation, and my sources in the building have a different perspective about his recent meeting with the staff.
Here are some of basic thoughts communicated to me:
- Raulerson initially decided to transfer before Strong announced who he would hire as the team’s new offensive coordinator. They believe Raulerson would have entered spring as Texas’ top center, but walked away before ever being given that opportunity. From their perspective, Raulerson was not happy about having to play behind Taylor Doyle last season, and there was no turning back.
- After deciding to transfer, Raulerson immediately filled out the paperwork necessary to attend another school. This was a clear sign to everyone in the building he did not want to be a part of the team.
- Strong eventually hired Sterlin Gilbert as the team’s new offensive coordinator, and Raulerson later questioned why nobody on the coaching staff reached out to him. It was a confusing message considering Raulerson previously told the staff and players he wanted out of Austin.
- From what I was told, Raulerson recently told a UT player he would be interested in playing this season at UT. That player eventually relayed the message to a member of Texas’ football staff. The message was eventually communicated to Strong, who initiated contact with Raulerson.
- I was told Raulerson did meet with Strong, Gilbert and Matt Mattox (offensive coordinator) this past week. As noted in another thread, Gilbert and Mattox did not talk a lot during the meeting. However, I was told the staff wanted to see what Raulerson had to say. They were concerned about adding a player who previously voiced his displeasure with Texas and wanted to transfer. Nobody in the room was willing to beg Raulerson to rejoin the team, which is a gesture they believe he wanted.
- In addition, I was told Gilbert and Mattox were fully aware of Raulerson’s athletic abilities. Each coach watched film of Raulerson, but neither knew him on a personal level. I believe it’s fair to say they were testing Raulerson to see if he really wanted to be part of the program.
- As previously reported, Raulerson was disgruntled about his lack of playing time under Joe Wickline, which he expressed during the recent meeting. From the perspective of people inside the building, Raulerson's lack of playing time was not their issue. Instead, they wanted him to express why he wanted to rejoin the program, which was never communicated in their point of view.
- When I asked about Texas’ faith in freshman Zach Shackelford, I was told the discussions with Raulerson did not mean anyone lacks confidence in him. Instead, I was told Texas was seeking depth at the position, and Raulerson would have to compete for the spot since he did not participate in spring practice. Texas has only three incoming freshmen offensive lineman.
Overall, it appears Raulerson and UT are parting ways – again. It seems like the best move for everybody involved.
Here are some of basic thoughts communicated to me:
- Raulerson initially decided to transfer before Strong announced who he would hire as the team’s new offensive coordinator. They believe Raulerson would have entered spring as Texas’ top center, but walked away before ever being given that opportunity. From their perspective, Raulerson was not happy about having to play behind Taylor Doyle last season, and there was no turning back.
- After deciding to transfer, Raulerson immediately filled out the paperwork necessary to attend another school. This was a clear sign to everyone in the building he did not want to be a part of the team.
- Strong eventually hired Sterlin Gilbert as the team’s new offensive coordinator, and Raulerson later questioned why nobody on the coaching staff reached out to him. It was a confusing message considering Raulerson previously told the staff and players he wanted out of Austin.
- From what I was told, Raulerson recently told a UT player he would be interested in playing this season at UT. That player eventually relayed the message to a member of Texas’ football staff. The message was eventually communicated to Strong, who initiated contact with Raulerson.
- I was told Raulerson did meet with Strong, Gilbert and Matt Mattox (offensive coordinator) this past week. As noted in another thread, Gilbert and Mattox did not talk a lot during the meeting. However, I was told the staff wanted to see what Raulerson had to say. They were concerned about adding a player who previously voiced his displeasure with Texas and wanted to transfer. Nobody in the room was willing to beg Raulerson to rejoin the team, which is a gesture they believe he wanted.
- In addition, I was told Gilbert and Mattox were fully aware of Raulerson’s athletic abilities. Each coach watched film of Raulerson, but neither knew him on a personal level. I believe it’s fair to say they were testing Raulerson to see if he really wanted to be part of the program.
- As previously reported, Raulerson was disgruntled about his lack of playing time under Joe Wickline, which he expressed during the recent meeting. From the perspective of people inside the building, Raulerson's lack of playing time was not their issue. Instead, they wanted him to express why he wanted to rejoin the program, which was never communicated in their point of view.
- When I asked about Texas’ faith in freshman Zach Shackelford, I was told the discussions with Raulerson did not mean anyone lacks confidence in him. Instead, I was told Texas was seeking depth at the position, and Raulerson would have to compete for the spot since he did not participate in spring practice. Texas has only three incoming freshmen offensive lineman.
Overall, it appears Raulerson and UT are parting ways – again. It seems like the best move for everybody involved.
